Praise for Sidley’s EU Law Practice
Competition Law Super League
Based on research for the
PLC Cross-border Competition Handbook 2009, in which nine of our competition lawyers feature prominently, Sidley has been named for the second consecutive year to The Competition Law Super League, PLC’s annual selection of the top 25 global competition practices. Sidley was praised for
“[continuing] to have strong capabilities on both sides of the Atlantic, notably a leading practice in Chicago, and [gaining] an endorsement in China”.
PLC Cross-Border Quarterly, April-June 2009
Life Sciences Industry and Regulatory Super Leagues
Based on research for the
PLC Cross-border Life Sciences Handbook 2008/09, Sidley has been ranked highly in The Life Sciences Industry and Regulatory Super Leagues, PLC's annual selection of the top 20 global life sciences practices.
“In the top ten of both Super Leagues again this year, Sidley Austin . . . has 15 recommendations spanning the US, EU and, for the first time this year, China/Hong Kong. Its US-based government enforcement and investigations, and product liability practices both continue to be pre-eminent.” PLC Cross-Border Quarterly, April-June 2009
Environment Super League
Based on research for the
PLC Cross-border Environment Handbook 2010, Sidley has been ranked highly in the Environment Super League, PLC’s list of law firms that have “
most successfully developed and maintained global practices in line with market developments and client needs in recent times”.
PLC Cross-Border Quarterly, January-March 2010
Six-time Winner of “Global Trade & Customs Law Firm of the Year”
Sidley has received
Who’s Who Legal’s “Global Trade & Customs Law Firm of the Year” award every year since the award’s inception in 2005. The following Sidley partners feature in the Trade & Customs chapter of the 2010 edition of
The International Who’s Who of Business Lawyers:
“To win the
Who’s Who Legal Law Firm of the Year Award for Trade & Customs every single year since 2005 demonstrates Sidley’s pre-eminent standing in the market. The high esteem in which the firm is held is reflected by the exceptional levels of positive feedback its lawyers received from our sources in a range of countries worldwide. Sidley Austin is one of an elite group of firms to have won one of our awards every year since its inception, and we are delighted to recognise them as the world’s leading trade and customs law firm once again.”
Who’s Who Legal Awards 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and
2009
“Sidley Austin LLP is at the head of our research. . . . In Geneva the
‘highly respected’ and
‘very experienced’ Scott Andersen focuses on WTO disputes. Nicolas Lockhart is known to be
‘one of the strongest’ in the field, specialising in the development and enforcement of international trade rules. Todd Friedbacher completes this team from the Geneva office and has counseled and represented governments and private parties on trade and regulatory issues."
Who’s Who Legal 2010 – Trade and Customs
Highly Recommended EU Competition Practice
“This international group is warmly praised for its collaborative culture: business-oriented and flexible, the team offers a truly personalised service to its clients, working closely with them to achieve the best results. When necessary the team can obtain specialist assistance from its wealth of colleagues around the globe. Highly regarded partner Stephen Kinsella splits his time between Brussels and London. Stephen Spinks is known for his expertise in the TMT sector. . . . Ken Daly is a new entry to this year‘s rankings: ‘
He is proactive and provides outstanding advice at very short notice, even at unsociable hours.’ Daly is particularly praised for his knowledge of the sports area.”
Chambers Global 2010 – Belgium, Competition/Antitrust
“Since opening its doors in Brussels in 2003 this firm has made a good impression on the competition market, winning praise as a
‘great practice that really knows its stuff, with a strong team spirit that makes it a pleasure to work with’. The group of 11 lawyers has expertise in competition, international trade and EU regulatory law and works closely with the firm’s US arm. Although he is spending more time in London these days, Stephen Kinsella OBE is still seen as one of the most prominent figures in the Belgian market.
‘He understands both the political and the regulatory challenges, gives practical advice’ and
‘gets straight to the heart of the matter’, clients say. . . . Stephen Spinks focuses on competition and trade law, with particular expertise in telecoms.”
Chambers Europe 2009 – Belgium, Competition/European Law
“David Went heads Sidley Austin LLP’s London competition team and has excellent knowledge of cutting-edge issues.”
Chambers UK 2010 – Competition/European Law (London)
“[S]ince Who's Who nominees Stephen Kinsella OBE and Stephen O Spinks launched Sidley Austin LLP's EU competition practice in 2005, the . . . firm has certainly grown, with the partnership expanding from two to four with the promotions of the well-regarded Ken Daly and Kristina Nordlander, as well as with the hiring of additional associates and other specialists. The interface between antitrust and sport is one area the team is staking out."
Global Competition Review, GCR 100 2009
“The Sidley Austin LLP practice receives
‘whole-hearted recommendations’ from its clients. [Sidley’s EU competition team is praised for d]elivering the
‘highest levels of service’ [and being a]
‘responsive and professional’ [team] . . . . Stephen Spinks is praised for being
‘especially detail-oriented and strong in technical legal analysis’, while Stephen Kinsella, who splits his time between London and Brussels, gives
‘excellent strategic advice and beings a deep, high-level of experience’. Ken Daly is also recommended. The practice continues to build and develop its strong pharmaceutical client base, advising several large internationals in this sector.”
Legal 500 EMEA 2010 – Belgium, Competition
Sidley's EU Competition practice features among those recommended in the
PLC Cross-Border Competition Handbook 2009. Worldwide, nine Sidley lawyers are individually recognized and praised as leaders in their jurisdictions, including:
Stephen Kinsella: “Highly recommended competition practice, with an emphasis on merger related cases and anti-trust litigation. Particularly strong in the media, telecommunications and sports sectors.”
Stephen Spinks: “All-round competition specialist focusing on merger control proceedings, cartels and advisory joint venture work in the telecommunications and technology sectors.”
Ken Daly: “Solid competition law practitioner whose practice is particularly strong in competition related litigation. Has significant experience in sports related competition matters, both on the plaintiff and the defence side.”
Kristina Nordlander: “EU state aid expert, particularly strong in the broadcasting area and on taxation issues. Enjoys a solid clientele of US companies.”
Sidley’s EU competition practice features among those recommended in
IFLR 1000 and Stephen Kinsella is named as a “leading lawyer”. “ ‘
I see them a lot,’ says one rival partner. ‘I
expect a lot from them in the next couple of years.’ . . . Established only in 2003, Sidley Austin is clearly on the rise. Ken Daly was promoted to partner in July 2008, as was Kristina Nordlander.”
IFLR1000 2010, Western Europe (Regional Rankings): EU Competition
Five Sidley lawyers are included among
Who’s Who Legal’s selection of the most highly recommended antitrust practitioners: Ken Daly, Stephen Kinsella, Kristina Nordlander, Stephen Spinks and John Treece. “The number of nominees from Sidley Austin LLP grows from three to five in this edition, once again split between Brussels and Chicago. The [Brussels] office is particularly strong, with Stephen Kinsella OBE deemed a ‘
great legal mind’ with an
‘international reputation’.”
Who’s Who Legal 2010 - Competition
“The firm’s representatives in the competition chapter are also spread between Brussels and the US. Stephen Kinsella was described as
‘the man’ and
‘extremely smart’, and ranks among the most highly nominated individuals in this area worldwide. Stephen Spinks is
‘reliable and hugely respected’ for this type of work. . . . Spinks also appears in the regulatory communications research, one of four partners from the firm to earn representation in multiple chapters.”
Who’s Who Legal ‘70’ - Competition
Top-Ranked EU Regulatory Practice
Sidley’s EU life sciences practice features among those recommended by
PLC Cross-Border Life Sciences Handbook 2009/10, in both the regulatory and competition categories. Worldwide, 16 Sidley lawyers are individually recognized and praised as leaders in their jurisdictions, including Maurits Lugard for EU regulatory.
PLC Cross-Border Life Sciences Handbook 2009/10
“The life sciences practice at this firm is complimented for its focus on regularly work, particularly government investigations and healthcare policy. It advises clients throughout the USA, as well as in Brussels, London, Beijing and Shanghai.”
Chambers Global 2010 - Global, Life Sciences
Sidley is ranked in the highest tier of EU Regulatory practices, with particular mention of the firm’s strength in the areas of food; environment (“Clients comment that Sidley Austin LLP delivers
‘very good value, and understand the issues and the wider implications’. It boasts an impressive client base . . . . Clients praise Kristina Nordlander.”); and pharmaceuticals and biotechnology (“Recommended partner Kristina Nordlander at Sidley Austin LLP is noted for work in this area. In addition to advising pharma and biotech companies on competition matters, the firm continues to grow its stand-alone work.”).
Legal 500 EMEA 2010 – Belgium, EU Regulatory
Leader in EU Environment
Sidley’s EU environmental practice features among those recommended in the
PLC Cross-Border Environment Handbook 2010/11. Worldwide, eleven Sidley lawyers are individually recognized and praised as leaders in their jurisdictions, including Kristina Nordlander for the EU.
PLC Cross-border Environment Handbook 2010/11
“Clients comment that Sidley Austin LLP delivers
‘very good value, and understand the issues and the wider implications’. It boasts an impressive client base . . . . Clients praise Kristina Nordlander.”
Legal 500 EMEA 2010 – Belgium: EU regulatory Environment (including WEEE and ROHS)
“EU regulatory law is a strong component of Sidley Austin LLP’s overall Brussels practice. Clients laud the firm’s ‘
pragmatic legal advice based on sound legal analysis’.”
Legal 500 EMEA 2009 – EU Regulatory – Environment
“Sidley Austin LLP counsels clients in a number of high-profile environmental, health and safety and consumer protection issues. ‘
The firm has an impressive network, including contacts with high-level policymakers, within authorities on a national, European and international level’, say satisfied clients.”
Legal 500 EMEA 2008 – EU Regulatory – Environment
Chambers Consistently Ranks Sidley as Top Global WTO/International Trade Practice ‘the trade practice of the future today’
Sidley is consistently ranked as one of the top WTO/international trade practices by
Chambers and Partners and holds the
Chambers Global Award for “Global WTO Law Firm of the Year”. Recent praise from
Chambers includes:
Europe-Wide Practice “Sidley Austin is one of the top global trade firms, and its European offering is a key component of its worldwide offering. The Geneva office handles a large proportion of worldwide WTO cases . . . . In the Brussels office, the lawyers are involved in proceedings involving footwear, silicon metal, bed linen and refrigerator anti-dumping measures, as well as customs, rules of origin and market access matters. The team also defends clients in third-country trade remedies disputes . . .. Other matters relate to the increase in climate change and environmental regulations concerning trade. Sources say:
‘They are very flexible and give their clients the maximum opportunities – they deliver excellent value.’[,]
‘Sidley’s WTO expertise as a group is unrivalled.’ [and]
‘We came with high expectations of the known partners, but those I didn't know also surpassed our expectations.’ The Geneva office is led by Scott Andersen, who focuses on WTO law. Clients praise his ability
‘to close claims in an air-tight fashion.’ Todd Friedbacher and Nicolas Lockhart are both prominent attorneys in WTO law. Friedbacher
‘is excellent at coming up with creative yet solid ideas to deal with novel issues.’ Lockhart is quickly cementing his presence in the field . . . . Richard Weiner leads the team in Brussels, though he also spends time in Washington, DC. Sources say he
‘thoroughly understands the nexus of trade policy, business and business issues, and will return with a tailor-made solution that exactly matches the client‘s needs.’ . . . Arnoud Willems is quickly consolidating his profile in the Brussels market, and has a raft of clients in Eastern Europe . . . . Clients value his proactive style, saying:
‘He is tenacious when pursuing our interests and finds solutions others never thought of.’ Chambers Global 2010 - Europe-wide, International Trade/WTO
Brussels Practice “A global giant for trade work, this firm has a
‘first-class office’ in Brussels which advises on all areas of the field, from policy to remedies to WTO law. [The Brussels team is] led by Richard Weiner, . . . a
‘true gentleman’ say clients, who value his open-mindedness and empathy. Additionally, peers praise his capabilities, saying his work is
‘of an excellent standard.’ Arnoud Willems is
‘rising in the market.’ Interviewees noted that he
‘builds great cases’ and his
‘extensive knowledge of the Brussels scene is highly beneficial.’ . . . Peers consider the entire team a
‘referral point for top trade work’ with
‘excellent legal arguments and a growing lobbying presence.’ The
‘extremely effective group’ works with the offices in Washington and Geneva, with the latter being a focus point for the WTO cases. . . .”
Chambers Global 2009 – Belgium, International Trade/WTO
Geneva Practice
“Sidley Austin‘s Geneva office handles a large proportion of worldwide WTO cases . . .. Observers note that
‘Sidley’s WTO expertise as a group is unrivalled. They have extensive experience in WTO litigation – probably more than any other law firm.’ . . . The Geneva team is also noted for its prowess in assisting with multilateral trade negotiations and policy analysis. . . . The group also frequently assists clients regarding the increase in regulation relating to climate change, environmental standards and safety. The office is led by Scott Andersen, who is lauded by clients for
‘his broad-based perspective in disputes.’ His focus on WTO law means that he is
‘able to close claims in a more airtight fashion than other counsel,’ according to sources. He is supported by Todd Friedbacher and Nicolas Lockhart, both prominent attorneys in WTO law. Friedbacher is
‘excellent at coming up with creative ideas to deal with difficult issues,’ while Lockhart is quickly cementing his presence in the field . . . . Associate Jan Bohanes is making an impression and is lauded as a
‘highly talented lawyer who comes up with important and relevant points.’ ”
Chambers Europe 2010 – Switzerland, International Trade/WTO
Top Ranked in International Trade by Legal 500
Brussels “Sidley Austin LLP continues to deliver
‘a first-rate service and perfect industry knowledge’. Clients value the team’s
‘resourcefulness in identifying and coming up with creative original ideas and strategies’. With a
‘great network in Brussels and an excellent reputation with the EU authorities’, the practice advises complainants, respondents, users, governments or other stakeholders. One client described Arnoud Willems as the
‘perfect anti-dumping duty payer’s bulldog’. Richard Weiner is singled out for being an
‘excellent legal professional, very approachable and always available’.”
Legal 500 EMEA 2010 – Belgium, Customs, Trade, WTO and Anti-dumping
Geneva “Scott Andersen heads Sidley Austin LLP’s
‘excellent’ three-partner practice in Geneva, which gives clients a
‘thoroughly professional service’. The
‘intelligent and analytical’ Nicolas Lockhart and Todd Friedbacher are also recommended.”
The Legal 500 also recognizes Stuart Harbinson who “has handled several high-profile WTO disputes”.
Legal 500 EMEA 2010 – Switzerland, EU, Competition and WTO
Outstanding Reputation in Dispute Resolution
“Admired for its
‘awesome quality’, Sidley Austin LLP’s Geneva office is dedicated solely to work relating to the WTO. Described as an
‘excellent oral advocate’, Nicolas Lockhart was made a partner in July 2008. Scott Andersen leads the team that is currently representing stakeholders in 17 WTO disputes . . . .” The Legal 500 also highlights the ‘
excellent’ Marc Palay for leading a team “which is praised for its ‘
thorough and business-minded’ approach. Handling almost exclusively international arbitration, it continues to advise on some of Europe’s highest-profile complex arbitrations . . . .”
Legal 500 EMEA 2009 – Switzerland, Dispute Resolution
Leader in EU Telecoms, Media and Technology
“Stephen Spinks of Sidley Austin LLP is highly knowledgeable of regulatory and European competition law matters related to the TMT sector. He benefits from an impressive background in the Internet and technology sector . . . .”
Chambers Europe 2009 – Belgium, TMT
Leader in Sport
“Sidley Austin LLP is recommended for international regulatory and commercial work in the sports arena, particularly for motor racing clients.”
Legal 500 UK 2010 – TMT and Sport
Leader in Financial Services
Sidley’s ‘
responsive’ financial services regulatory group is recognized by
Legal 500. “John Casanova and Leonard Ng give ‘
thorough, well-researched advice’.”
Legal 500 UK 2010 – Corporate and Commercial - Financial Services
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